iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026: Miley Cyrus shares how her ‘fake’ persona gave her confidence
Miley Cyrus receiving flowers.
While accepting the Innovator Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026 in Los Angeles on March 26, the “Wrecking Ball” singer shared the powerful lessons he learned from Hannah Montana. (Click here to see participating musicians.)
“Hannah Montana has been such an inspiration to me in my own career,” Miley said. “I fell in love with the idea of being able to create a persona that gives me the confidence and courage to perform authentically. Sometimes my false self can reveal my true self.”
Miley, who joins previous winners such as Pharrell Williams, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, explained that for her, innovation is not about “separating yourself from who you are” but “continuing a journey of joyful self-discovery.”
“I’ve always written songs and told stories because I love it. Of course, it’s rewarding to win awards for that work, but that’s not my compass,” she continued. “Because if that were the case, I’d be very lost.”
